SACRAMENTO, CA — It’s shaping up to be a great season at California’s winter resorts, with a new series of storms expected to bring a healthy dose of snow to the Sierra Nevada this holiday season. Early season storms have already resulted in an above-average snowpack in the Sierra, building a great base for winter snow sports and mountain activities.
Visit California is delighted to partner with both the California Ski Industry Association and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to showcase new capital developments on the slopes and keep major resort roads open for the 2015-16 snow season.
“More than two dozen winter resorts are open across California showing off our winter wonders – from dazzling mountain vistas and adrenaline-pumping runs to only-in-California après ski experiences,” said Caroline Beteta, Visit California president & CEO. “We’re excited for visitors from around the globe to come and catch the winter wave in the Golden State.”
Ski resorts and winter sports are big business in California with a $1.3 billion impact on the state’s economy. “In an average year, there are approximately 7 million skier visits to California’s resorts from Mount Shasta in the north to Big Bear in Southern California,” said Michael L. Reitzell, President of the California Ski Industry Association. “Our strong partnership with Caltrans and Visit California encourages mountain sport lovers of all ages and abilities to experience the state’s unique and exciting resorts – and gets them there safely.”
Caltrans oversees the maintenance and operations of more than 50,000 miles of roadway on the State Highway System. The Caltrans equipment shops and maintenance yards in the Lake Tahoe area, Truckee and Kingvale have been preparing more than 250 pieces of equipment from plow trucks to rotary snow blowers for the winter. Six new sanders have arrived at the Truckee maintenance yard. Also, to bolster the 450 full-time maintenance workers, about 250 permanent, intermittent employees will be hired this season.
In addition, more than 100 trained and certified chain installers have been signed up to ensure that travelers can get to their winter destinations safely. “The expected storms accompanying El Niño promise more snow on the slopes, but can also mean rapidly changing road conditions,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “Caltrans’ first priority is the safety of the motoring public, and we will be working around the clock to keep roads open and clear. But we encourage all drivers, not just those hitting the slopes, to always use caution, common sense and be prepared.”
For the most up-to-date information on road conditions and chain controls, travelers can access Caltrans’ online “Quick Map.” Quick Map can be accessed by visiting http://www.dot.ca.gov.
“California is an ideal winter vacation destination where visitors can combine mountain sports with our iconic activities like wine tasting, surfing, theme parks or visiting world-class cities and state and national parks,” Beteta said. “From beginners to experts and for those who just enjoy a winter wonderland, California is the place for your winter getaway.” For a look at ways to Catch the Winter Wave in California, visit http://www.visitcalifornia.com/catch-winter-wave, which showcases ways to find your perfect ski run, where to wind down après ski and places to indulge in luxury resort experiences.
For updated news on 2015-16 developments and other ways to dream big at California winter resorts, visit our online press room. About Visit California: Visit California is a nonprofit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state’s travel industry – that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. According to Visit California, spending by travelers totaled $117.5 billion in 2014 in California, generating 1,027,000 jobs in the state and $9.3 billion in state and local tax revenues.
For more information about Visit California and for a free California Official State Visitor’s Guide, go to www.VisitCalifornia.com. For story ideas, media information, downloadable images, video and more, go to media.visitcalifornia.com. – See more at: http://media.visitcalifornia.com/Story-Development/Press-Releases/PR-Item/?id=104609#sthash.tVcMUjQA.dpuf